Franklin Barbecue

2 June 20124,116 views8 Comments

Franklin Barbecue is located just east of I-35 on E. 11 Street and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until they are sold out (lunch only). If you’re visiting from out of town and plan to go to Franklin, be prepared to wait in line.

Days: Tuesday – Sunday, CLOSED Mondays

Hrs: 11am – sold out (just open for lunch)

I hear the wait can be anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours long, and if you’re going on a busy day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), you should get there by around 9 a.m. Some say that if you get there at 1:30 p.m., just before they run out, you can also avoid the lines — but do this at your own risk.

I haven’t waited in line at the new location — Franklin used to be in a food truck when they opened in 2009, but those who have recommend that you bring a lawn chair, a cooler of cold drinks, entertainment to pass the time, and to be sure to protect your skin from the sun. As you can see below, if you don’t bring entertainment, there will be plenty of people watching to keep you busy.

While there wasn’t catering information on the website, I do know that Franklin does cater, so if you have a large group interested in eating there, you may want to call ahead (maybe a week in advance) and order a meal to go.

What you should order:

Definitely the brisket — and YES, you would like some burnt ends, please.

The ribs

Try the espresso sauce, although this BBQ (like all good BBQ), doesn’t need it

Dessert – Get one each of their Cake & Spoon‘s Key Lime and Bourbon Banana Cream pies

Yes, please

If you don’t have a group to order with in advance, and you don’t want to stand in line all day, perhaps you can find someone to pay to stay in line for you while you. Pay someone to stay in line for you while you do what you like until it’s time to eat! I’ve seen people post to Craigslist and offer to do this in exchange for paying for their lunch. Austin is a college town, so how hard could it be to find someone willing to wait for a few extra bucks or a free meal?!